Eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP)

General Information

Eosinophilic granulocytes are actively involved in inflammatory processes. An increased percentage of eosinophils in the leukocyte formula characterizes allergic, parasitic and rheumatological diseases. Eosinophils quickly reach the inflammatory center and release inflammatory mediators (substances) from the granules. Thus, substances present in eosinophil granules contain cationic proteins and various cytokines and chemokines.
Cationic proteins, due to their quantitative abundance and effects on target cells, have been widely studied.
Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) is a protein with a molecular weight of 16-21 kDa, which is produced in an amount of about 15 picograms in each eosinophil (cell). In eosinophil granules, it is located on the main matrix.
According to old studies, ECP is a ribonuclease (RNAase), which exhibits bactericidal effects, degranulates immune cells - mast cells, and has a toxic effect on helminth parasites.
Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) concentrations in serum, sputum, and nasal secretions are elevated in patients with late-phase allergic reactions.
Serum ECP concentration better reflects the allergic inflammatory process, i.e. eosinophil activity, than IgE. The concentration of eosinophilic cationic protein is related to the disease activity, that is, it expresses the severity of the disease course and atopy.

When should we do the research?

Eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) determination is informative for diagnostics and monitoring of atopic dermatitis and bronchial asthma.
Patients diagnosed with asthma with eosinophilic (allergic) inflammation have elevated ECP levels in serum and other fluids: bronchoalveolar fluid and sputum. Determination of ECP level in serum is an indicator of allergic process of asthma.
The treatment of bronchial asthma is aimed at eliminating the inflammatory process in the airways, so the determination of eosinophilic cationic protein is an informative marker for monitoring this process.
Who is being researched?
 Children with symptoms of airway obstruction to differentiate between bronchial asthma and recurrent obstructive bronchitis.
 In the differential diagnostics of allergic and non-allergic inflammatory processes of the respiratory tract.
 When monitoring the course of bronchial asthma and atopic dermatitis
 To evaluate the effect of anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic treatment

advance preparation: The study is conducted on an empty stomach
Research material: venous blood

Referral norm: <11 ng/L

Interpretation

An increase in the concentration of eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) indicates an inflammatory process, which is an indicator of exacerbation of bronchial asthma and atopic dermatitis.